Patriot High School

Nokesville, Virginia

FIRM

CLIENT

Prince William County Public Schools

AREA

312,067 sq.ft.

TOTAL COST

$72,382,390.00

COMPLETION DATE

4/2011

This new two-story, 312,000-square-foot high school was constructed in Prince William County to serve continued growth in student population. As an update to an existing high school prototype, the plan was revised to introduce more natural light. The building features an axial design in which the main public and student spaces are situated off three ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONCOST PER SQ FT$232.00FEATURED IN2012 Educational InteriorsINTERIOR CATEGORYLibraries/Media Centers axes.

The axis that runs through the academic wing is anchored by the media center; here, the media center is placed so that all students pass by as they leave the academic wing for the common areas.

Inside, the media center has a circular clerestory and exposed steel trusses above, so the space feels light and open. The circular charge desk in the center of the space enables the librarian to greet and work with patrons from all sides and have clear views down the stacks and into the study spaces. In the corners, four study spaces were set up to handle traditional class settings, casual seating areas and independent group study.